Dark Skies

Due to its unspoiled skies and minimal light pollution, the sky above Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park was awarded Gold tier designation in 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association. This makes it officially the best place in England to enjoy the night sky. Stretching 1470 square kilometres above the rural Northumbrian landscape, it is also the largest area of protected dark skies in Europe.

Stargazing has become a widespread cultural phenomenon, capturing hearts and minds of the public. Guided events at Kielder Observatory are often sold-out in advance. Programmes like BBC’s Stargazing Live and global astronomical movements, such as the recent ‘supermoon’ and the aurora borealis, have become national news features.

To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, we are running a stargazing photography competition.

For inspiration from those who have already had their hearts and imaginations captured by Northumberland’s night skies, click on the thumbnails to expand:

Dark Skies photo competition details

We are looking for the best photographs of the Northumberland night skies - from mesmerising shots of the heavens and amazing close-ups of the constellations, to lively captures of faces in wonder as they gaze deep into the soup of stars. Whether they were taken at events in the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, on the Northumberland Coast AONB or just from your back garden, we want to see them all!

By entering the competition, you automatically give us permission to use your images on our website and websites of members of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and in promotional material. We will always credit any photographs used to the photographer.

The winner will receive a family voucher for a Kielder Observatory ‘Family Astronomy’ event.

Happy stargazing!

Dark Skies Terms and Conditions

• Closing date for entry is Monday 30th November 2015, 12pm midnight• The judges decision is final• Subject to availability of hi-res image quality at 300dpi for print• The 'Family Astronomy' event voucher is valid for 12 months. Family Astronomy events are held every Saturday night throughout the year. This is subject to availability and booking must be made in advance. It is non transferable and no cash alternative is offered.• Employees or agents of Northumberland Tourism and Kielder Observatory are not able to enter• For further details please send a SAE to the promoter: Northumberland Tourism Ltd, Wansbeck Workspace, Rotary Parkway, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8QZ

Due to its unspoiled skies and minimal light pollution, the sky above Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park was awarded Gold tier designation in 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association. This makes it officially the best place in England to enjoy the night sky. Stretching 1470 square kilometres above the rural Northumbrian landscape, it is also the largest area of protected dark skies in Europe.

Stargazing has become a widespread cultural phenomenon, capturing hearts and minds of the public. Guided events at Kielder Observatory are often sold-out in advance. Programmes like BBC’s Stargazing Live and global astronomical movements, such as the recent ‘supermoon’ and the aurora borealis, have become national news features.

To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, we are running a stargazing photography competition.

For inspiration from those who have already had their hearts and imaginations captured by Northumberland’s night skies, click on the thumbnails to expand:

Dark Skies photo competition details

We are looking for the best photographs of the Northumberland night skies - from mesmerising shots of the heavens and amazing close-ups of the constellations, to lively captures of faces in wonder as they gaze deep into the soup of stars. Whether they were taken at events in the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, on the Northumberland Coast AONB or just from your back garden, we want to see them all!

By entering the competition, you automatically give us permission to use your images on our website and websites of members of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and in promotional material. We will always credit any photographs used to the photographer.

The winner will receive a family voucher for a Kielder Observatory ‘Family Astronomy’ event.

Happy stargazing!

Dark Skies Terms and Conditions

• Closing date for entry is Monday 30th November 2015, 12pm midnight• The judges decision is final• Subject to availability of hi-res image quality at 300dpi for print• The 'Family Astronomy' event voucher is valid for 12 months. Family Astronomy events are held every Saturday night throughout the year. This is subject to availability and booking must be made in advance. It is non transferable and no cash alternative is offered.• Employees or agents of Northumberland Tourism and Kielder Observatory are not able to enter• For further details please send a SAE to the promoter: Northumberland Tourism Ltd, Wansbeck Workspace, Rotary Parkway, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8QZ